Comparison

LinkEdit vs Focus Rail

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

LinkEdit

Features
Read full description

LinkEdit is a local-first personal knowledge manager (PKM) for Markdown notes. Point it to any folder in the Files app and work directly with your existing files—no lock-in, no proprietary database. Create permanent, auto-updating links between notes. Links work in both directions, so your knowledge stays connected as files move or are renamed. Free Features • Built-in file manager and plain-text Markdown editor • Industry-leading privacy: zero tracking, zero third-party analytics • Sync with iCloud Drive or any storage provider supported by Files • Markdown preview • Open notes from anywhere using the linkedit://open URL scheme • Inspect note metadata, including backlinks, with Links Inspector LinkEdit Pro (one-time purchase) • Automated Daily Journal • Unlimited Permanent Links • Editor customisation

About

Focus Rail

This app transforms focus sessions into engaging train journeys across real railway routes. Stay motivated by watching your progress on a map as you complete work or study blocks. It offers a more visually dynamic alternative to traditional timers.

Highlights
  • Gamified train journeys for focus sessions
  • Pomodoro and deep work session options
  • Live Activities for active sessions
  • Trip history and session statistics
  • Ambient sound options
  • Customizable map styles
Features
Read full description

Focus Rail is a focus timer that turns work and study sessions into train journeys across real railway routes. Choose a starting station, set a session length, and board your train. As you stay focused, your route moves forward on the map. It is a simple idea, but it makes a plain timer feel much more alive. Focus Rail is built for people who want more than a countdown: • Start study sessions with a clear ritual • See progress through a moving train and live route • Use Pomodoro style sessions or longer deep work blocks • Keep active sessions visible with Live Activities • Review past trips and build a routine you can stick with • Add ambient sound when you want a calmer workspace What you can do: • Pick an origin station and travel to real destinations • Set short study bursts or long deep work sessions • Follow your journey on the map in real time • Use optional screen controls when you want fewer distractions • Check trip history and session stats • Choose map styles that match your mood • Get reminders to start your next session Focus Rail works well for study, reading, writing, coding, exam prep, and quiet solo work. If Pomodoro timers feel too flat and traditional focus apps feel too cold, this gives you something more motivating without getting in your way. Focus Rail Pro unlocks more map styles, full trip history, Live Activities, and extra ways to stay on track. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

LinkEdit4 screens
Focus Rail4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is device support: LinkEdit at 4 against Focus Rail's 2. On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. LinkEdit sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Focus Rail sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

LinkEdit ships an update every 2 months, Focus Rail every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 9, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
LinkEdit versus Focus Rail: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterLinkEditFocus Rail
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (6 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—6 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 4 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
Monetization—Freemium
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Mac, Vision Pro — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.017.0
Further details — not scored
Size7 MB93 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperCocoa ProductionsMithilesh Chellappan

In-app purchases

1 purchases

LinkEdit

One-time1
  • Lifetime Unlock$14.99
3 purchases

Focus Rail

Subscriptions2
  • Focus Rail Pro$3.991 Month
  • Focus Rail Pro7 Days trial$19.991 Year
One-time1
  • Focus Rail Pro (Lifetime)$35.99

Questions

Is LinkEdit free?
LinkEdit is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Focus Rail free?
Focus Rail is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do LinkEdit or Focus Rail have ads?
Neither LinkEdit nor Focus Rail shows ads.
Which is updated more often, LinkEdit or Focus Rail?
LinkEdit ships an update every 2 months, and Focus Rail every 4 weeks. Most recently, LinkEdit was updated on September 9, 2026 and Focus Rail on September 19, 2026.

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